Perhaps, indeed, it was the very best thing; for it would be easy
to get George a wife more suitable to the position of his family
than a little canting dissenter, and her money would be in their
hands all the same; while, once clear of her haunting cat-eyes,
ready to pounce upon whatever her soft-headed father had taught
her was wicked, he could do twice the business. But, while he
continued pleased, he continued careful not to show his
satisfaction, for she would then go smelling about for the cause!
During three whole days, therefore, he never spoke to her. On the
fourth, he spoke as if nothing had ever been amiss between them,
and showed some interest in her further intentions. But Mary, in
the straightforward manner peculiar to herself, told him she
preferred not speaking of them at present; whereupon the cunning
man concluded that she wanted a place in another shop, and was on
the outlook--prepared to leave the moment one should turn up.
She asked him one day whether he had yet found a person to take
her place.
"Time enough for that," he answered. "You're not gone yet."
"As you please, Mr. Turnbull," said Mary. "It was merely that I
should be sorry to leave you without sufficient help in the
shop."
"And _I_ should be sorry," rejoined Turnbull, "that Miss
Marston should fancy herself indispensable to the business she
turned her back upon.
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